Vital support for Brisbane Men's Sheds

07 May, 2015

The tireless efforts of volunteers working to improve the lives of men across the city is being recognized, with nine of the city’s Men’s Shed organisations receiving financial support from Brisbane City Council to continue their work.

Announcing this year’s Men’s Shed Grants Program at a Greenslopes Men’s Shed today, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the group was one of nine that would share in nearly $80,000 to help improve their facilities and services in the community.

“Council is proud to support Brisbane’s Men’s Sheds, which provides a safe, supportive and friendly environment for men of all ages and from all cultural and economic backgrounds to gather, volunteer, work, and chat with like-minded people,” Cr Quirk said.

“It is through these networks that men learn new skills such as woodworking, bicycle maintenance and furniture repair, while at the same time being a part of a community that offers strong social support.

“This national initiative helps to heal and support men of all ages and backgrounds, by providing shoulder to shoulder help to those doing it tough.

“The funds provided in these grants will go towards upgrading and expanding facilities in these men’s sheds, kick-starting new projects and purchasing equipment and materials for participants to undertake new activities.”

The organisations sharing in this year’s Men’s Shed Grants program are:
• Annerley Men’s Shed - $19,331 – to help construct a new shed facility on church grounds for the existing multi-ethnic woodworking group and church community.
• Nundah Men’s Shed - $14,223 - Purchase a dust extraction unit to improve health and safety, and purchase two shipping containers that will allow an expansion of the refugee Bikes4Life partnership program.
• Men’s Shed Carina Inc - $9,900 - Facility upgrades including fans, lighting, roller doors and a new ceiling to complete the non-workshop space, for the delivery of 12 new activities, for 500 men annually.
• Sandgate and District Men’s Shed - $9,640 - Purchase a dust extraction system, water cooler, chainsaw and shade canopy to improve health and safety, and purchase a generator to participate in community events.
• Eudunda Street Stafford Community Men’s Shed - $8,000 - Update machinery to increase the safety of woodworking activities offered at the Men's Shed and enable a broader range of community projects to be undertaken.
• Wilston Community Men’s Shed - $6,205 - Fit out an existing Church space with tools, machinery and general fittings for the purpose of an emerging Men's Shed.
• Woodturners Society of Queensland Inc. - $4,459 - Purchase two items of woodworking equipment that will diversify toy making for charity and other woodcraft activities.
• Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed Inc. - $4,150 - Purchase a tradesman’s trailer that will be fitted out with existing tools and equipment to conduct off-site projects for the benefit of vulnerable residents and community organisations.
• Saint John’s Oxley Community Men’s Shed - $4,067 – To part-fund an awning extension to enable the Oxley Men's Shed to deliver non-workshop based outdoor activities.

Since Council initiated the Men’s Shed Grants Program in January 2009, more than half a million dollars has been allocated to more than 40 groups.

For more information on the Men’s Shed Grants Program, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone Council on 3403 8888.

Men’s Shed Grants Program Organisations Background

Anglican Parish of Wilston
The Wilston Community Men’s Shed opened in January 2015 and has approximately 10 founding members who are completing the fit out of the shed to offer woodworking, cooking classes, computer lessons and provide handyman support to the Church’s Early Childhood Centre.

Annerley Baptist Church
The group, who has been meeting weekly for 15 years, will now expand to offer furniture making, wood turning, and handyman support to the onsite community garden.

Saint Clement’s Anglican Church
The Eudunda Street Stafford Community Men’s Shed opened in November 2012 and has approximately 28 members who meet two mornings per week to do woodworking and participate in men’s health programs.

Nundah Activity Centre Inc.
The Nundah Men’s Shed opened in 2010 and meet two days a week to participate in bicycle maintenance, shed outreach programs, health forums, and maintain aids for the frail and people with a disability.

Saint Margaret’s Sandgate and District Home Assist Secure
The Sandgate and District Men’s Shed opened in February 2010 and has approximately 42 members who meet two mornings a week to do woodworking and provide handyman support for local community organisations.

Men’s Shed Carina Inc.
Men’s Shed Carina Inc. opened in 2008 and has approximately 116 members who meet three days a week to participate in a variety of manual activities and health related programs.

Woodturners Society of Queensland Inc.
The group began in 1979 and became a men’s shed in 2012. They have approximately 250 members who meet three to four times a week to participate in woodturning, leatherwork and men’s health programs.

The Saint John’s Oxley Community Men’s Shed
The Saint John’s Oxley Community Men’s Shed opened in 2010 and has approximately 65 members who meet three days a week to do a range of hands on activities including woodwork and metal work.

Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed Inc.
The Men’s Shed opened in 2009 and has approximately 251 members who meet five days a week to participate in woodworking, wood turning, leatherwork, welding and gardening.